Getting Started: Transfer Orientation

1. Determine if you are already qualified for a General Biology major. Transfer applicants are screened for major preparation in the Biological Sciences, and are held to completion of major preparation criteria for admission to UCSC. If you were admitted to UCSC as a General Biology major, you are eligible to declare the major. If you were admitted to UCSC in a different major, you would need to meet the transfer major preparation criteria to be eligible to declare.

If you are not sure of your status, log on to your MyUCSC portal to view your proposed major.

2. Once your transfer courses have been articulated, you will receive an email from our office. This email will include information on how your coursework articulated, suggestions for Fall enrollment, and invite you to make an appointment to talk with your major advisor. We will be in contact with you in early July in time for your enrollment and Orientation.

3. Make an appointment to talk to an advisor. Your confirmation email will include instructions for scheduling an advising appointment. Appointments are available either by phone or in person. You will be able to discuss and develop your academic plan, review your major requirements, learn about opportunities available, and ask your advisor any additional questions you may have.

4. Attend orientation. Admissions hosts a transfer student orientation in summer that provides new transfer students an opportunity to meet other transfer students, familiarize themselves with the campus and the available resources. Orientation includes a faculty presentation on the Biology majors, including an overview of the field, courses offered, and an introduction on how to get involved in undergraduate research.